WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. June 11, 2008 UPDATED JUNE 12, 2008 5:25 P.M. E.D.T.: The City of White Plains is advertising for a Budget Director, a position that has been vacant since June 2, 2006, when Anne Reasoner left the position and later took the position as Depurty Budget Director (in August, 2006)and then became Budget Director with the County of Westchester in the Andrew Spano administration. The advertisement appeared June 4, 8 days ago on the government employment website of the New York State Government Financial Officers Association.
In a statement to WPCNR, the Mayor's spokesperson, Melissa Lopez confirmed the search was on, but whom any new Budget Director would report to, should they be hired, has not been determined. Ms. Lopez wrote: "As for the budget director, no decision has been made on the structure of the department yet. We are testing the waters to see if anyone qualifies. "
Asked if Gina Cuneo-Harwood, the Commissioner of Finance was leaving the city, Ms. Lopez said "No, absolutely not."
The advertisement does not indicate whom the Budget Director will report to. The last two years, Gina Cuneo-Harwood, the City Commissioner of Finance and currently Chief Financial Officer has prepared the budget. Previously the city has taken the position that they would attempt to consolidate services in the interest of saving money, but had not made a firm decision to abolish the budget department. The current 2008-2009 City Budget passed by the Common Council May 27, states that the Budget Director is to be paid $130,396.
The advertisement reads:
BUDGET DIRECTOR, City of White Plains, New York
The City of White Plains is currently seeking an experienced Budget Director to direct
the preparation, execution, and control of the City'
s Budget (all funds) and six year
Capital Improvement Program. The City'
s operating budget is in excess of $161
million. Must also be knowledgeable of grant accounting, GAAP, and special revenue
funds. Incumbent provides budgetary guidance to the Mayor and Common Council, is
responsible for the allocation and expenditure of funds, and formulates long and short
term budgetary policies. Position requires interaction with department heads, elected
officials and members of the public. Knowledge of GFOA best practices, distinguished
budget award criteria, and performance based budgeting a plus.
Appointment to this position is made by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the
Common Council. Requires: BA or MA in business or public administration, political
science, accounting, economics or related financial field, and six (6) years experience in
public budget management or governmental finance at the supervisory or administrative
level. Salary DOQ. Send Resume to: Elisabeth Wallace, Personnel Officer, City of
White Plains. 255 Main Street, White Plains, New York 10601
